Cell Phones for Seniors

Supported by the National Sheriff's Association, the 911 Cell Phones for Seniors program is currently serving other areas of the country and is gaining popularity as another method to help protect Seniors and help fight crime.The program uses reconditioned cell phones that only have the ability to dial 911.

The Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Tippecanoe County Council on Aging, is expanding the program locally to allow for greater distribution opportunities in the county.

The program is simple:When a participant witnesses a crime or needs to report an emergency, they dial 9-1-1 and are connected to an emergency dispatcher.

Program participation is based on a few simple requirements:

Participants must be 55 or older, have a valid drivers license and be engaged in at least occasional driving.

Participants are eligible if they do not have the ability to afford home phone service or cellular telephone service.

Participants must agree to use the phone only for Emergencies.

Finally, participants must agree to receive orientation about the program.

The Sheriff's Office is also accepting cell phone contributions.Cell Phone Donations can be left during business hours in the lobby of the Tippecanoe County Law Enforcement Building located at 2640 Duncan Road, Lafayette.For added convenience other collections box locations are established at the following locations:

Ivy Tech Community College - Ross Administration Building

Area IV Agency on Aging located at 660 North 36th Street, Lafayette

The Senior Center at Jenks Rest in Columbian Park

For information about Cell Phones for Seniors or questions related to this and other programs offered by the Sheriff's Office, contact Sergeant Doug Caldwell at 765-423-9388.Additional information about the program can be found atwww.911cellphonebank.org or by visiting the Tippecanoe County Council on Aging web site at www.tippecanoeseniors.org